Recommended Reading – Maserati: Sports, Racing & GT cars, 1926-1975

Few books have been published on the great Italian sports car builder Maserati, but of those, perhaps the most coveted is this particular book. Knowing how many great racing cars and beautiful sports cars they created through the years, you would think more books on Maserati would have been published by now, which is perhaps why this book has become so collectible.

First published back in October 1975 and reprinted several times since, this 298-page hardcover, authored by Richard Crump and Rob de la Rive Box, focuses on all the different Maserati models, both production cars and competition cars. It begins with the first Maserati model, the Tipo 26 from 1926, through to the 1975 Merak SS.

If you’re seeking a book to learn about the history of this storied Italian marque, then this isn’t it. What it is instead is a model-by-model review – each profiled in either two- or four-page spreads – that shows a few black & white detail photos alongside a listing of that particular model’s mechanical specifications and power ratings. It also includes production numbers and specific build notations. And while it may not be an in-depth historical read, what it is is an excellent reference source.

The last few pages profile other Maserati-built vehicles and competition cars that they were partners in, such as the Derby-Maserati, Maserati-Milan, Tec-Mec, Lotus-Maserati and Maserati-Platé. Prototypes include the Simun, Medici, Boomerang and the Bora Competition, as well as the Maserati-built truck, motorcycle and Hydroplane.